Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added another award to his decorated year by winning the ESPY for Best Male Athlete. The ceremony, held Wednesday night in Los Angeles, recognized Gilgeous-Alexander for his extraordinary 2024–25 NBA campaign, which included an MVP, a scoring title, and an NBA championship.
In his acceptance speech, the Thunder guard kept the focus on his team. “I want to thank my teammates. Best basketball team in the world,” Gilgeous-Alexander said on stage.
The Canadian guard became the first player in NBA history to win MVP, Finals MVP, and a scoring title in the same season since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000. He also became the first Canadian to win NBA Finals MVP, leading Oklahoma City to its first championship since moving from Seattle.
Throughout the regular season, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered several record-setting performances. He led the NBA in scoring with 32.7 points per game and set a franchise-best streak of 72 consecutive games with at least 20 points, surpassing marks set by Kevin Durant. His consistency included 75 games with at least 20 points and 49 with 30 or more.
In the playoffs, he elevated his game even further. Gilgeous-Alexander scored at least 30 points and five assists in 12 different postseason games, breaking a record previously held by Michael Jordan and LeBron James. His 15 games with 30 points or more in a single playoff run ranked among the top four in league history.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Finals debut was also historic. He scored 72 points over the first two games against Indiana, the highest total ever in that span, and capped the series with a decisive Game 7 win to secure the title and Finals MVP.
This ESPY adds to a long list of accolades in the past year for Gilgeous-Alexander, including NBA Player of the Year, All-NBA First Team, All-Star starter, Western Conference Finals MVP, and NBA 2K26 cover athlete. He also signed a record $285 million extension to remain with the Thunder and unveiled his first signature Converse shoe.
At just 27, Gilgeous-Alexander has already established himself as one of the most accomplished players of his generation, and his recognition as Best Male Athlete at the ESPYs cements his status as one of the brightest stars in sports today.
